Philip Gene Hanna

Philip was born on a Friday, October 21st, 1938 in the small farming town of Osage, Iowa to parents, Gunder Peter Konrad (Pete) and Edith Hanna. He passed away on September 1, 2019 in Sun City, Arizona.

Phil’s family moved to Waterloo, Iowa in 1945. It was here that Phil’s life-long obsession with trains began. The railroad tracks ran behind the family home and as a youngster, he would run to wave at the conductors every time he heard the train whistle. Phil graduated from North High School in 1957 in Denver, Colorado and attended Colorado School of Mines from 1958 to 1961.

Phil started working with the federal government in 1961 until he was drafted into the Army in November. He served until 1964. After the Army, Phil returned to Denver. With Phil’s love of trains, he joined the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club in 1965. He was a member of this club for 34 years.

Phil met his wife Janet Nevill in September 1966 at the University of Colorado. They were engaged by Christmas and married on June 17, 1967. Phil and Jan welcomed identical twin daughters to the family in October 1970. Phil transferred to the Department of Labor in 1971 in personnel.

In 1977, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona and Phil was able to transfer to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as a Personnel Classification Specialist. Phil and Jan were active members of Deer Valley Baptist Church.

Phil joined the Thunderbird Model Railroad Club in January 1992 and he was member number 95. He was a member for 27 years and 7 months. Towards the end of his federal career, Phil transferred to the Bureau of Land Management. He retired in May 1994 with 33 years of federal service. Shortly after retiring from the federal government, Phil had an opportunity to test drive vehicles which was something he thoroughly enjoyed.

In 1999, Phil and Jan moved to Sun City. Phil and Jan joined Bellevue Heights Church shortly thereafter. Phil served as President of their Homeowner’s Association for many years. Phil was also active in the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).

Phil will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He will always be a “lovable nerd” and “adorkable” to his family. His smile, laughter, and genuine helpful spirit will be missed by everyone. Phil would want everyone to celebrate and enjoy life to the fullest!